Rozaini Mohd Rosli's Blog

One defection a week? Why wait…? All leave now…

Is he the mastermind behind the defections from PKR or a ‘prophet’ who can see what is to come?

Former PKR secretary-general Salehuddin Hashim (left in lilac shirt), who has denied he had masterminded the defection of three MPs, has now disclaimed ability to see into the future.

“I am not a prophet. I cannot tell you what will happen tomorrow,” he said during a press conference today.

He was an unmistakable presence at the press conference called by Bagan Serai MP Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (right in skullcap) to announce his departure from the party – the third PKR MP to do so since Feb 12.

When quizzed by reporters, Salehuddinmaintained his prediction that there would be10 more defections, raising doubts about his role in the string of defections.

“There could be one defection every week,” he said.

Asked later if there will be two more defections before Parliament reconvenes on March 15, he enigmatically said, “Not only two; there could be even six.”

Spoke on behalf of Mohsin

Salehuddin, who answered all but one question on behalf of Mohsin, said the failure of PKR leaders to consult grassroots leaders has become the catalyst for dissent.

He added that the ‘Allah’ issue, which Mohsin cited as the main reason for his resignation, should have been debated at the meetings of the political bureau and leadership council.

Instead, it was a decision made by “one or two people, causing anxiety among grassroots leaders”.

Despite his tirade, Salahuddin declared that he holds true to the Reformasi principles but urged all PKR members and leaders to review their party loyalty.

“They should ask themselves ‘who is the boulder on the railway track who is delaying the journey?’,” he said.

‘Bid to smear reputation’

According to the one-time Anwar Ibrahim loyalist, those still with the party do not realise that they have lost grassroots Malay support.

“The likes of (director of strategies) Tian Chua (right) still believe that they have the support of the Malays who took to the streets during the Reformasi protests (in 1998),” Salehuddin told reporters on the sidelines of the press conference.

Asked about DAP and PAS statement yesterday declaring their steadfast loyalty to Anwar, his reply was cryptic: